Ohio unemployment rate is less than 7% for first since 2008

COLUMBUS — Ohio’s unemployment rate dipped to 6.9 percent last month, the first time it’s been below 7 percent since August, 2008, as the state continues to recover from the steep recession.

The rate dropped from a revised 7.1 percent rate in September.

The number of unemployed Ohioans fell by 10,000 last month to 396,000, according to figures released by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services.

The report also showed that the state’s nonfarm employers added 13,900 jobs last month.

The sectors showing the biggest gains last month included professional and business services, with an added 7,300 jobs, government, an added 5,200 jobs, educational and health services, an added 3,400, and other services, 3,100 jobs.